What to do if you suspect a natural gas leak

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Spring and warmer weather mean more outdoor activities, like sprucing up the home by planting trees and shrubs, turning up flower beds, installing a fence or building a deck.

Whether at home or out and about, Duke Energy wants everyone to be safe and aware. Two ways to keep safe are plan before you dig and know the signs of a natural gas leak.

Know what’s below

April is National Safe Digging Month. Never start digging, even if you think your project is small, before you’re given the all-clear of what’s below. Utilities such as natural gas and electric lines may be located closer to ground level than you think.

Before you put a shovel to the dirt, call 811. The service is free. Once you call, a representative will schedule a time to come out and mark the location of utility lines. This typically occurs in two to three weekdays.

Once your lines have been pinpointed, dig around the locate markers, not on them. Check your state’s excavation laws to determine the exact tolerance zone, as excavation equipment can damage underground utilities.

A smell unlike lilacs and roses

Duke Energy monitors its natural gas system around the clock, safely delivering natural gas to more than 1.6 million residential and business customers.

Since natural gas is odorless, Duke Energy adds an unpleasant, sulfur-like odor. It’s a smell that’s hard to miss. But the location of a leak can make it hard to detect. In addition to scent, there are other signs that may indicate a natural gas leak. More importantly, if a leak is present, there are steps to take and not to take that every person needs to know.

Review this infographic to identify the signs of a natural gas leak and what you need to do.